As noted above, the type of Brachypelma smithi comes from Dos Arroyos in the Mexican state Guerrero. Here in the foothills of the Sierra Madre del Sur the tarantula prefers the dry forest along the Pacific coast.

Just North-East of Acapulco is the small town of Dos Arroyos, Guerrero Mexico. Here in the foothills of the sierra Madre del Sur is the type location of Brachypelma smithi. This is where H.H. Smith collected the first specimen of perhaps the most beautiful species of tarantula in the world.

The pacific coast in Guerrero, Mexico with the sierra Madre del Sur in the background.

Just like in Colima, the habitat found here is dry deciduous forest (www.worldwildlife.org) The precipitation levels are always below 1200 mm/year. During the day it is not uncommon to see the spider at the entrance of the burrow. This burrow is normally about 30 cm deep. It consists of an entrance that leads to a chamber just big enough for the spider to rest and once per year (for adult Brachypelma smithi) molt in safety.

Brachypelma smithi and Brachypelma hamorii can readily be separated from each other. The Guerrero form looks woollier and the colors are more vibrant. When looking at the flame pattern on the patella of the legs and pedipalps, you also notice the Guerrero form has no black hairs around the red flame.

Brachypelma smithi Guerrero, Mexico.

Leg IV

Brachypelma smithi Colima, Mexico.

Leg IV

Along with Brachypelma smithi, a second Brachypelma if found around Acapulco; Brachypelma verdezi. The colonies of the 2 species are competing for the same prey items. The faster growing Brachypelma verdezi could have the advantage here.